Malu Creeper (Bauhinia vahlii)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Malu creeper or Bauhinia vahlii is a fast-growing climbing shrub up to 30 m long and 20 cm in diameter. It can grow into tops of the trees. The seeds are tonic and aphrodisiac and the leaves are demulcent and mucilaginous. The seeds can be eaten raw or fried and cooked as a pulse. The inner bark is a source of fibre used in making ropes. The stems are used for basketry, matting, and wickerwork. The leaves are used as a thatch.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Edible portion: Seeds, Pods, Leaves, Flower. The seeds are eaten raw or fried. Cooked as a pulse. The tender young pods and leaves are cooked as vegetables. The flower buds are eaten as a vegetable. — Edible portion: Seeds, Pods, Leaves, Flower.; The seeds are eaten raw or fried.; Cooked as a pulse.; The tender young pods and leaves are cooked as vegetables.

Habitat & North American Range

Climax monsoon-deciduous forests at elevations up to 1,500 metres. (Zone 7)